The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) hosted an annual conference in Hanoi on Oct. 24 for the government and donors to review the implementation of the National Target Programme for Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (NTP3).

Speaking at the event, Ha Thanh Hang, Chief of Office of the NTP3 urged the government to speed up the appraisal and approval of NTP3 programmes so that agreements on sponsorship can be signed by December this year.

Regarding targets of sanitation under the NTP3, Hang asked the MARD to coordinate with governmental organisations and donors to update monitoring and evaluation index and add an index reflecting poor households’ access to clean water and sanitation.

John Nielson, Danish Ambassador to Vietnam praised Vietnam’s efforts over the past time and pledged to continue funding Vietnam’s NTP3.

At the event, donors from Australia and the UK also agreed to continue supplying fund to the NTP3. They also highlighted issues to ensure the programme’s progress.

Concluding the event, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dao Xuan Hoc underlined that the MARD will work closely with relevant ministries and departments to ensure capital for NTP3.

He also asked the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Training to coordinate to ensure all schools and public places have clean water and hygienic toilets by 2012./.